{"id":551975,"date":"2026-07-16T02:49:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T02:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/551975\/"},"modified":"2026-07-16T02:49:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T02:49:11","slug":"farrell-rides-the-hot-hand-as-obrien-earns-shot-at-nz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/551975\/","title":{"rendered":"Farrell rides the hot hand as O’Brien earns shot at NZ"},"content":{"rendered":"

Andy Farrell says he had to back the form of Jimmy O’Brien, after the Leinster wing won the race for Ireland’s 11 shirt against New Zealand<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With Rob Baloucoune back fit after missing the opening two games of this Nations Championship, the Ireland head coach was faced with a big call on his left wing between O\u2019Brien and his Leinster team-mate Jamie Osborne, who started the win against the Wallabies in that position, before moving to full-back last week versus Japan.<\/p>\n

While Osborne has been a consistent presence in the Ireland squad across the last two years, O\u2019Brien has only recently worked his way back into contention this summer.<\/p>\n

He performed well against the Wallabies in Sydney when called in at the last minute on the right wing, and was one of Ireland\u2019s best performers in the 36-20 win against Japan, particularly impressing under the high ball.<\/p>\n

And Farrell says it was right to reward those recent showings with a start at Eden Park.<\/p>\n

“I think you guys have reported it as well, he’s been in great form,” the Ireland head coach said of O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n

“He’s gone from stop-start really for Leinster over the course of a season and not really nailing down any type of genuine spot, whether it be full-back or wing or centre or whatever.<\/p>\n

“But for us, over the last three or four weeks, it’s been obvious that he’s been really on top of his game and he’s been in great form. Obviously, there’s pressure within itself playing for your country and he deals with those pressures superbly well.”<\/p>\n

\"15
\nRob Baloucoune (l) and Jimmy O’Brien (r) start on the wings for Ireland on Saturday<\/p>\n

Baloucoune is one of two changes to the side that started the opening Nations Championship against the Wallabies<\/a>, and while the Ulster wing only has one game under his belt since March, due to elbow and hamstring injuries, Farrell explained his thought process of his back three selections.<\/p>\n

“What he [Baloucoune] is going to bring for the team. That’s the only thing that we do consider, isn’t it?” he added.<\/p>\n

“What’s right for the team and the blend of all the balance that goes along with that. And obviously Rob’s talent is there for all to see.<\/p>\n

“So, exposing him and others from this squad into an occasion that’s coming up on Saturday night is vital for him and for us all moving forward.”<\/p>\n

The other change from the side that beat Australia sees Tadhg Beirne start at blindside flanker, with Cian Prendergast dropping out of the matchday 23.<\/p>\n

As a hybrid second\/back row, Beirne\u2019s presence in the starting team has also opened up space for another specialist back row on the bench, with Connacht\u2019s Sean Jansen (below) rewarded for his eye-catching debut last week against Japan.<\/p>\n

\"11<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old previously spoke of his road less travelled to become an Ireland international, leaving his native New Zealand when he was consistently overlooked by professional sides.<\/p>\n

And Farrell says that his story from Dunedin to Galway, and now to Test rugby “shows his character”.<\/p>\n

“I’ve heard how he’s gone about his business backing himself to go overseas, first at Leicester and then on to Connacht. He’s been unbelievably consistent, and not just consistent, but some top performances, certainly for Connacht this year.<\/p>\n

“He’s backed that up at Test level, so I don’t think he’ll be overawed by what’s in front of him at all. He’ll just be himself.<\/p>\n

“I obviously said after the game [against Japan] that he’s a fantastic example of how to nail your debut. And basically he’s just been himself.<\/p>\n

“He doesn’t let the game or the thought of a first cap or anything like that get in the way of producing what he knows he’s all about. And you just know he’s going to be able to do that again on Saturday.”<\/p>\n

\"15<\/p>\n

Ireland are looking to become the first team since France in 1994 to defeat the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland.<\/p>\n

And having fallen well short in their previous attempt, a 42-19 defeat in 2022, Farrell (above) is relishing the opportunity right those wrongs.<\/p>\n

“It’s fantastic. I feel we’re the fortunate ones, we’re the lucky ones in the sense that we get the opportunity to go to Eden Park. We had that fortune in 22, the first game up, and obviously we couldn’t get that over the line.<\/p>\n

“So, we’re pretty lucky to be back there and have another shot at it,” he added.<\/p>\n

Listen to the RT\u00c9 Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts<\/a>, Spotify<\/a> or wherever you get your podcasts<\/a>, and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ie<\/p>\n

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